iPod Integration Conundrum

[jab23]

Have tried to connect both the Dice Duo and USA Spec iPod adapters in my 03 4.6is with no luck. Using the stock CD changer location in the rear of the truck. I have the 6 pin and 3 pin connectors so it should be straight forward. I can get all of the controls to work on the head unit, but get no sound at all. I did get sound briefly on one of the two USA Spec units I tried, but it only worked for a minute. I've tried everything I've found on this site many times to no avail including the battery disconnect.

My question is, is it possible to have the 3 pin, 6 pin, AND the dsp coax cable? I have an extra small, press in connector that was also plugged into the CD player. I'll go take a picture. I think I'll try the USA Spec DSP model, but that will leave the 6 pin not connected to anything. Does that makes sense?

Any ideas? Thanks!!!!

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[upallnight]

Were the 3 pins and 6 pins connectors connected to the CD changer? Are you connecting the coaxial cable to the Dice unit? I have a DSP system in my X and when I installed the GROM system I had to buy the DSP to 6 pins converter to be able to use the Grom in the X. Everything works fine on the Grom. I am also able to use the steering wheel controls to change volume and change tracks.

[Ricky Bobby]

I have the USA spec DSP model on my 2003, I'm fairly sure I used the 6 pin connector and the coax. What mode are you on when you press "mode" on the MID? If it comes up CD-5 you will go direct to playlist mode, if you do CD-6 it will go to direct mode and not play anything until you select a song.

Also, my ipod is very old and sometimes shuts on and off once or twice when trying to play something the first minute or two after starting the car, perhaps your ipod is not staying on?

Does it charge when its plugged in and show its connected?

[jab23]

Thanks for the replies. All three were connected to the CD changer.

I have only tried connecting both the Dice and the USA Spec units with the 3 an 6 pin connectors. I believe the 3 pin is power and 6 is sound. Since I had the 6 pin available I have only tried NON DSP units.

I've tried all the modes and can control the iPod in either direct mode or from the head unit and steering wheel. Just no sound. My iPod is old as well, but seems to be functioning as it should. Has the required software update and charges when connected.

I think I'm going to order the DSP version of the USA Spec unit and see what happens.

I just think it's strange that I have the 3 pin, 6 pin AND the DSP coax. Always thought it was two of the three depending on model year.

[Ricky Bobby]

Wait, so you do have DSP or no? If you do, there is your reason for no sound, USA Spec includes an extra cable for the DSP as far as I remember, its not going to work right if you just use 6 pin cable and don't hook anything up to the amp

[jab23]

Sorry if I have been confusing.

I do have DSP. I was under the impression if you had the 3 pin and 6 pin connectors, you didn't need to worry about all of the DSP nuances.

The stranger thing is that I did get sound out of it a couple of times (never connected the coax to anything)

Thanks again for your help.

[upallnight]

If you have the DSP Amp, the Amp needs the coax signal in order for the sound to work. If you can just plug the coax into the dice unit you should be able to get sound.

[jab23]

Just ordered the DSP version of the USA Spec Unit. We'll see what happens. Thanks!

[Ricky Bobby]

wait so you bought another ipod interface instead of hooking the DSP adapter up to the Dice one you have?

Either way the USA Spec DSP model will work, I have it installed and no issues. But yes to above, you definitely need the coax to convert the signal.

EDIT: Just re-read the USA Spec instructions, that 3 pin connector you are holding gets plugged into the interface (the one with the brown wire) and the coax plugged into the DSP connector for the amp. the 6 pin is not used on their install.

[jab23]

I actually tried the DICE a couple months ago. Worked with their tech support which was a joke. Never got it to work. Returned it, got the non DSP USA Spec. Have had two with lots of tech support from them, no luck.